DYK: Strokes in dogs

Head Tilt with Vestibular Disease

Did you know many dogs that appear to have a stroke, in reality are suffering from Old Dog Vestibular Disease. Older dogs who suddenly develop the inability to walk, who are falling over, have a head tilt, develop abnormal eye movements and sometimes are vomiting are presumed to have had stroke. However, generally these dogs are not suffering from a stroke but from Old Dog Vestibular Disease, an acute inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This nerve runs through the inner and middle ear from the brain; its purpose is to help the dog to stay physically balanced. Unfortunately because Old Dog Vestibular looks similar to a stroke these patients often euthanize. This is very sad and unfortunate because Old Dog Vestibular Disease responds very well to treatment returning your friend to normal in two to four weeks.